PERALTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT MUST FOLLOW ITS OWN FINANCIAL POLICIES

Executive Summary

The Grand Jury received a complaint alleging financial mismanagement by the Peralta Community College District’s (PCCD) chancellor and trustees. These allegations included excessive travel, spending, and other expenses. The Grand Jury’s investigation revealed that PCCD has made improvements since a previous Grand Jury made recommendations for change in their travel policies and spending on meals and other related irregularities. However, this Grand Jury found instances of policy violations, weak documentation, and lax oversight, all of which need review and correction.

Conclusion

While PCCD has improved travel and reimbursement policies based on a previous Grand Jury’s recommendations, there is still a need for improvement and better enforcement of the policies. Adherence to policies must apply equally to all, including the trustees, the chancellor, and employees. Better training is needed to prevent erroneous reimbursements. The $25 per day incidental payment needs to be eliminated. The Grand Jury is concerned that the current practices have fostered a culture of entitlement that benefits the individual and not the college as a whole.